The 2008 Super Duty is refined and simply offers more when compared to previous models.  The 2008 Super Duty is not an all-new truck, but it offers load capacity and towing ability never before found in a pickup. The Super Duty line includes the F-250, F-350 and new F-450 —and for 2008 it received an exterior and interior styling overhaul as well as a new diesel engine: a twin-turbocharged V-8 diesel. The Super Duty line can haul from one ton to three.  For 2008, the Super Duty adds an F-450 model, a truck that takes a medium-duty chassis cab and adds a pickup box much like aftermarket firms have been doing for years for affluent trailer pullers. You can spot an F-450 by the 10-lug, 19.5-inch wheels and huge rear differential. The Ford Super Duty is the largest mass-market pickup truck you can get, offered in the widest array of configurations and powertrains, and equally able to meet recreational or commercial needs. The F-250's competitors are the Dodge Ram 2500, the Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and the GMC Sierra 2500, which also have diesel and gasoline engines.

Powering the ’08 Superduty

Gasoline engines include the 5.4-liter Triton V-8, rated at 300 hp and 365 pounds-feet of torque, and the 6.8-liter V-10, which generates 362 hp and 457 pounds-feet of torque. A 5.4-liter V8 with 300 horsepower and 365 pound-feet of torque is standard on all models up to the F-350 Crew Cab DRW, which has the 362-hp, 457 lb-ft 6.8-liter V10 standard. A six-speed manual is standard, a five-speed automatic available. The 6.4-liter diesel engine is all-new for 2008, with just two parts shared with the previous 6-liter diesel. Also note that the five-speed automatic transmission falls one gear short of GM and Dodge's six-speed automatics. The standard 5.4-liter V8 is the cost leader, and it's a good choice if you don't plan on towing anything more than 5,000 pounds over relatively rolling countryside. Those who might carry a full load of tools or cement and tow a trailer but not drive a lot of miles should consider the stronger V10.

Driving the Ford Truck

It is important to remember that no matter what engineers do to improve the handling of a big truck, it will never operate like a car. Maneuverability is limited, and the amount of power that these trucks offer takes some getting used to. If you haven't anything heavy to carry or tow, a Super Duty's capabilities will far exceed your requirements. Ford's Tow Command integrated trailer brake system is easy to set up and provides better, smoother trailer braking control than any aftermarket controller. There are two primary improvements to the Super Duty's driving characteristics, in what has always been a competitive vehicle: the diesel engine is all-new and the rear springs' forward perch has been moved forward eight inches.

Ford Superduty Design

Super Duty pickups come in three forms: regular cab; four-door SuperCab with two conventional front doors and two smaller, rear-opening back doors; and four-door Crew Cab with four conventional front-hinged doors. The 2008 Ford Super Duty, already one of the biggest pickups around, appears even more imposing because of a larger grille, deeper bumper, and stacked lamps with the headlights on the bottom. The color of the side vent gives away if it is gasoline or diesel-powered. Front tow hooks are standard. A chrome front bumper and bright grille go on XLT models, while the Lariat adds cab steps, fog lamps and a sliding rear window.

Superduty Cabin Features

An optional tailgate step pops a 16.7 x 4.5-inch step with a half-ton load rating out of the tailgate and raises a grab handle rated at 300 pounds to make the climb safer. Air conditioning, power windows and locks, cruise control, a tilt steering wheel and a CD player are standard in XLT models. Lariat trucks include power front seats with leather surfaces. With three-and-a-half feet of headroom and just shy of six feet of shoulder room, the Ford Super Duty cab is massive. A new instrument pod provides engine and road speed through larger dials with four smaller gauges lined up between; diesel models include a boost gauge and automatics get fluid temperature. The center stack houses a pair of large vents, radio and navigation top center where easily viewed, climate control, and most switchgear. Side steps are available. Front bench seat riders may find the deep dash compromises their knee and foot room, especially if the driver needs the seat forward.

Superduty Lineup

The 2008 Ford Super Duty comes in myriad configurations, with four trim levels, four weight divisions, and two box sizes (6.75 feet, 8 feet), the majority available in two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. Exceptions: The King Ranch version is offered only on Crew Cabs, the F-450 is long-bed Crew Cab only, and the FX4 trim is not offered on 2WD, any F-450, or with a regular cab.

XLT trim adds chrome trim and wheels, 40/20/40 cloth front seat, carpet, AC, CD player, power windows/locks/mirrors, tilt wheel and cruise control. Options include aluminum wheels, captain's chairs w/power and heat, Audiophile sound system, adjustable pedals, Sport trim package, moonroof, and rear-seat DVD entertainment.

The FX4 off-road model adds 18-inch wheels and LT275/70R18 all-terrain tires, standard limited-slip, skid plates, fog lamps, security system, overhead console, and leather-wrapped steering wheel. Options include 20-inch wheels, navigation/Audiophile system, Sirius radio, and power telescope/fold heated dual-element towing mirrors.

Lariat trim  adds polished wheels, leather power seats, dual-zone climate control, trip computer, redundant sound/climate controls on wheel, woodgrain trim, illuminated visor mirrors, privacy glass and a sliding rear window. Options include those offered on most Super Duty models plus captain's chairs, universal door opener, and a power sliding rear window.

The King Ranch package, offered only on Lariat Crew Cabs, adds two-tone paint, driver memory package, tow mirrors, unique forged alloy wheels, powered trailer mirrors, badging, and Chaparral-leather for the steering wheel and four captain's chairs and both center consoles.

Conclusions

Safety equipment includes antilock brakes, dual front airbags, adjustable height outboard belt anchors, child-seat LATCH anchors, and a passenger airbag deactivation switch on regular and SuperCabs, all standard. The 2008 Ford Superduty is an excellent truck for those who need extreme towing and hauling capabilities. With so many options, body styles, powertrains, and features available there is a Ford Superduty for just about anyone.